DeTomaso Mailing List: August 98, Message #118

A couple of weeks ago I put up a post on the rear deck air springs from 
GUDEN.  Well they came in the mail friday.  And the answer is... mixed 
feelings.  The springs are fine.  They lift the lid when the button is 
pushed (stock lid, no wing).  It doesen't hit my chin.  It slowly rises 
and then comes to a dampened stop.  Two 90 lb springs work.  It takes 
about 1.5 lbs downward force to hold the lid static just after opening 
and about 5.5 lbs downward force when almost all the way open.  It takes 
about 7.5 lbs to start the lid moving downward when closing the lid.  I 
think the 80 lb springs would work also, but it would be to "hold" the 
lid open and would require an assisted lift.

You definately want to compress the springs off the car the first time.  
Having been open for a while they tend to stick in the extended 
position.

Although they did lift the lid and did not bend the lid, the new springs 
did point out some new challenges.  I appears that the "spider" or frame 
the skin is bonded/attached to has de-bonded, and thus the drivers side 
tends to deflect 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch when closed.  I re adjusted the 
lid latch to try to pull the lid down on it's stops, but you still 
notice the conspicuous wide seam at the lid/fender interface.  The 
hinges appear to be OK, but there also appears to be some rust along the 
leading coner of the lid on the drivers side.

I figure some JB weld and duct tape and we'll be on the road again real 
soon.  Or I could continue to carry the portuguese lid stick for getting 
gas and oil.

FWIW
Brent 
4130

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